There is a new community service in the Senoia area that is determined to combat the realities brought on by the continuing down economy. The Sow Good Center “food shelf” was recently formed and operated by local churches and residents with the idea of “serving our neighbors in need.”
Sow Good Center representative Cheryl Krichbaum said the new food shelf initiative had its start-up in August by two Senoia churches and a community member.
“But we want more churches involved because the Sow Good Center is about the community, not a particular church’s outreach ministry,” said Scott McInnis, pastor of Wellspring Church in Senoia.
Krichbaum said the idea behind the Sow Good Center is to bring the community together to “serve our neighbors in need.” Operating out of Senoia, the center currently offers a food pantry for those experiencing stressful times and supports Backpack Buddies for economically disadvantaged children in the school system, she said.
The Sow Good Center currently supports about 10 families with food donations from Publix, Krichbaum said.
“We’re very grateful to Publix and the volunteers who box and deliver food to these families, but we want to serve more families and provide counseling services in hopes that we can help people get up and out of their economic challenges,” said food pantry coordinator Ken Smith. “We hope to fully open our doors before Thanksgiving, hopefully by the beginning of November. But first we need to fill our shelves.”
Krichbaum said that while starting with food, the vision of the Sow Good Center is much larger and includes financial counseling, networking and referral, spiritual counseling and discipleship, addiction recovery programs, a community organic garden, clothing and supporting community shelter services.
The Sow Good Center is actively seeking civic organizations, churches, businesses and community members to donate to its food pantry before Thanksgiving. The Sow Good Center has the newest food pantry in Coweta County, serving the east side from its Senoia location, Krichbaum noted.
Those interested in supporting the center are invited to bring $5 worth of donations to Main Street businesses in Senoia in exchange for money-saving coupons to local shops and restaurants. Look for Old West WANTED posters and food collection points throughout Senoia. Check http://www.facebook.com/sowgoodcenter for the most recent list of businesses hosting collection boxes and of shops and restaurants offering coupons.
“The 30-minute drive from Senoia to Newnan is too far to go,” said Vineyard Community Church pastor Brent Anderson. “If you’re struggling to put food on the table, then you’re also struggling to put gas in the tank. Our neighbors need support right here where they live.”
The Sow Good Center is located in the basement of the Vineyard Community Church at 2450 Ga. Highway 85 in Senoia. For more information about the Sow Good Center, contact Ken Smith at 678-485-3735.
